Washington: U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revealed that the Trump administration is planning to broaden its travel restrictions, expanding the list of affected countries from 19 to more than 30.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem took to social media to push for a sweeping travel ban on Monday, just one day after President Donald Trump claimed that his administration’s pause on asylum decisions could last “a long time.”
“I am recommending a full travel ban on every damn country that’s been flooding our nation with killers, leeches, and entitlement junkies,” Noem wrote. “Our forefathers built this nation on blood, sweat, and the unyielding love of freedom—not for foreign invaders to slaughter our heroes, suck dry our hard-earned tax dollars, or snatch the benefits owed to AMERICANS.”
This development comes as part of ongoing efforts by the U.S. government to tighten immigration and travel security measures. Alongside the travel ban expansion, the Department of Homeland Security has implemented new screening protocols for H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents.
Beginning December 15, applicants will be required to ensure that the privacy settings of all their social media accounts are set to public. The online profiles of visa applicants will be reviewed prior to interviews, emphasizing the administration’s focus on national security.
The U.S. State Department reiterated that issuing visas is a privilege, not a right, and each application is assessed within the context of safeguarding national interests. These measures reflect the administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance security and scrutinize foreign nationals seeking entry into the United States.